Mat Charles

Background

I began my career in Nelson with iconic New Zealand shipping company The Union Steamship Company as a junior office clerk and container controller. It was in this environment that I began my first business venture, a very small operation selling shipping containers in Nelson, in 1990.

My business interests have continued to evolve rapidly over the last 5 years, always with containers as the central focus. I have at times been referred to as a container guru however I prefer to think of myself as a container maniac. Despite its somewhat simple physical appearance, I continue to be enthusiastic regarding the huge versatility of the humble container.

My specific areas of expertise are in marketing and branding, and in managing businesses from a strategic perspective.

I was raised in a tropical environment in Papua New Guinea and have a strong affinity with the earth which includes a passion for geology and volcanism. I believe strongly that all business should be operated with minimal disruption to the environment and in particular that we should strive to seek balance in all aspects of our lives.